Motocross fans from across the world will be in Crawfordsville this week for the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National. Local officials, hotels and businesses are ready to welcome the visitors to Montgomery County.
The event, which features the top motocross riders in the world, initially came to Ironman Raceway in 2014 and continues to gain popularity among local fans and the motocross racing world.
Crawfordsville Mayor Todd Barton sees the race as a good way to place his city in the limelight.
“We are excited to host MX athletes, teams and fans in our community again for some of best racing in the world,” Barton said.
“We look forward to this week all year as we take hosting our guests very seriously,” Barton added. “It is a great opportunity to showcase our awesome community as #motoville.”
National team semi-tractors started arriving into the city Monday. The MX production trucks will also be making their way to the track. Residents can expect to see an increase in traffic as race fans will start to arrive today. By Friday, Ironman Raceway will appear to be a city all of its own with campers in tents and motor homes.
From 6-8 p.m. Friday local residents and fans can attend the Finish Line Festival at the track. The event is co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Visitors and Convention Bureau and Pro MX Sports. The festival is free to the public and gives many the opportunity to see MX race facilities up close. Pro MX riders will be signing autographs from 6-7 p.m. Free pizza will be available as well as free T-shirts for the first 100 people. There will be a drawing for free tickets to Saturday’s race. Attendees are asked to park in the field just north of Ironman Raceway grounds.
Heather Shirk, director of the Montgomery County Visitors & Convention Bureau, said the Friday festival is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We look forward to bringing back the Finish Line Festival for the first time since COVID hit,” Shirk said. “It is a good time and a great opportunity to get into the track for free and to meet some professional motocross athletes. First-time attendees are always surprised to see how big this race is.”
More information and tickets are available online at www.promotocross.com or tickets can be purchased at the track beginning noon today. Racing events begin Friday with Saturday’s practice starting at 9 a.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday with the Ironman National starting at 1:15 p.m. Amateur racing is scheduled for 8 a.m. Sunday.
